Select a region
Remarkable people doing remarkable things are being highlighted this week, with the organisations that rely on them being encouraged to celebrate the work they do.
Led by the Association of Guernsey Charities, which has 330 members, the island is taking part in Volunteers' Week.
The annual celebration is dedicated to "recognising the vital contribution volunteers make to our community and also a chance to inspire others to get involved".
Kristin Dowling, Development Officer of the Association of Guernsey Charities, said it already champions volunteering locally and is also hoping that other organisations that rely on people giving their time and skills freely will use Volunteers’ Week to celebrate their volunteers and the contributions they make.
"It is fantastic to see a strong volunteering culture in Guernsey, with many islanders feeling a real connection to their community and a sense of personal responsibility to contribute their time and skills," she said.
"It’s not just the outstanding contributions that make a difference, all the small acts of kindness are of equal importance, helping our community to be a fairer, healthier and happier place for everyone.
"Thanking volunteers is more important than ever in the context of many local charities facing increased difficulty in recruiting and retaining volunteers.”
The AGC isn't the only organisation that is taking part in Volunteers' Week.
Numerous charities have already taken to social media to thank their volunteers and to encourage others to lend a hand too.
The week is a national initiative "to acknowledge and thank the individuals who give their time, passion and skills to make our island communities stronger and more vibrant" with a light shining on "the huge variety of causes and activities volunteers get involved in".
It's proven that volunteers bring diverse skills and perspectives to the organisations they support, which in turn enhances the effectiveness and reach of community initiatives.
By its very nature, volunteering is not financially motivated. And, as highlighted in another campaign - #WithoutUs - volunteering is often of such high economic value that it means some community services - that would otherwise be unaffordable - become viable.
The Bailiff is among those praising their commitment this week - Sir Richard McMahon said it's clear the without volunteers "we would all be much poorer".
“Volunteers’ Week 2024 is an opportunity for us all to offer huge thanks to the many people who volunteer their time and energies so willingly to help others from our community with charitable and other good causes," he said.
"Without them, we would all be much poorer. We should encourage and support everyone who volunteers or might consider doing so because whatever help they can give is invaluable.”
The Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey, Sir Richard Cripwell has also paid tribute to the island's volunteers.
He spends a lot of time visiting organisations which rely on volunteers, and also presents awards - both local and national honours - to those who have been recognised for their service.
"Charities are an integral part of life in Guernsey and make an extraordinary contribution to our society," he said.
"In every walk of life, remarkable people do remarkable things every day to enhance our lives and, for some people, simply make them more bearable.
"Many charities on the island do their work unnoticed and unheralded, but all of them make a difference. If you would like to help them to continue to do so, please consider supporting, either through financial contributions, donations in kind, or by giving your time and skills. Anything you can do will make a difference as well."
Very pleased to present the #OBE on behalf of HM The King to Mr David Warr, for services to the Community in #Guernsey. Congratulations on all your achievements for Islanders over 30+ years and thank you on their behalf! @BathingPools @GuernseyCharity @GuernseySports @GuernseyCF pic.twitter.com/LGyFaHXAL9
— Gov House Guernsey (@GvHouseGuernsey) March 9, 2024
Numerous charities are also using Volunteers' Week to recruit additional support with many needing extra volunteers.
For more information about volunteering opportunities, visit volunteer.gg or contact the Association of Guernsey Charities volunteer@charity.org.gg
Pictured top: The Guernsey Lifeboat is just one example of volunteers running essential services.
Les Bourgs Hospice volunteers celebrate 320 years of service
Volunteers needed to support young people and families
Volunteers needed to help CAB help others
OPINION: Volunteers – Thinking Differently
12 New Volunteers join the GSPCA
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.